System, method and apparatus for surgical patient table

ABSTRACT

A patient table includes a cradle for slidably receiving a board carrying a patient, a cradle supporting member for slidably receiving the cradle, a locker for preventing the board from sliding off the cradle, and a stopper for preventing the cradle from sliding off the cradle supporting member. A method of transferring a patient to an imaging system from a second table uses the patient table to move the board from the second table to the patient table to the imaging system. An RF coil system usable with the table includes a coil, a coil cable, an intermediate box for receiving the coil cable, and a system cable extending from the intermediate box and connected to the imaging system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/127,363 filed May 12, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a patient table. More particularly, thisapplication relates to a patient table for transferring a patient from asecond table into an imaging system.

Currently, patients and objects can be imaged using a wide variety ofdifferent imaging technologies. Such imaging technologies can includeMRI, computer tomography (“CT”), x-ray imaging, and others. Each imagingtechnology has unique advantages and disadvantages in imaging certaintypes of physiological or physical characteristics. MRI images, forexample, provide excellent soft tissue contrast with no exposure toionizing radiation. MRI images also provide three-dimensional imageacquisition.

MRI is a diagnostic imaging modality that does not rely on ionizingradiation. Instead, it uses strong (ideally) static magnetic fields, RFpulses of energy and magnetic field gradient waveforms. An RF coilproduces the RF pulses. MRI is a non-invasive procedure that usesnuclear magnetization and radio waves for producing internal pictures ofa subject. Three-dimensional diagnostic image data is acquired forrespective “slices” of an area of the subject under investigation. Theseslices of data typically provide structural detail having a resolutionof one millimeter or better. An MRI system requires not only anintensive uniform magnetic field generator, but also a suite ofassociated electronics to operate the MRI system.

For a surgical operating room (“OR”) situation, patient transfer fromsurgery into a MRI scanner during a surgical procedure has only beenavailable if the patient is physically lifted from the OR table, whichinvolves extreme risk to the patient. Such a procedure can causeexcessive anatomical movement and disruption of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a patient table includinga cradle for linearly receiving and transferring a board carrying apatient, a cradle supporting member for slidably receiving the cradle, alocker within the cradle for positioning the board and patient on thetable, and for preventing the board from sliding off the cradle, and astopper within the cradle for preventing the cradle from sliding off thecradle supporting member.

Further exemplary embodiments of the invention include a method oftransferring a patient to an imaging system, the method includingdocking a first end of a patient table with a second table, sliding apatient carrying board from the second table over a cradle of thepatient table, wherein the board automatically locks onto the cradlewhen in place on the cradle, moving a second end of the patient tableinto engagement with the imaging system, wherein the cradle is unlockedfrom a cradle supporting member of the patient table when the second endof the patient table is engaged with the imaging system, and moving thecradle and board into the imaging system.

Still further exemplary embodiments of the invention include a patientimaging and transfer system, the system including an imaging system, apatient table including a cradle supporting member, a second end of thetable engageable with the imaging system, a cradle slidably received onthe cradle supporting member and within the imaging system, the cradlemovable between the patient table and the imaging system when the secondend of the table is engaged with the imaging system, a second table, anend of the second table engageable with a first end of the patienttable, and a patient carrying board slidable between the second tableand the cradle when the second table is engaged with the first end ofthe patient table, wherein a patient is transferable from the secondtable to the imaging system without removing the patient from the board.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention include an RF coilsystem including a coil, a coil cable extending from the coil, anintermediate box for receiving the coil cable, the intermediate boxattachable to a patient carrying board, and a system cable extendingfrom the intermediate box, the system cable connectable to an imagingsystem, wherein the RF coil system is positioned relative to a patientcarrying board, and movable with a patient carrying board towards andaway from the imaging system, and wherein the RF coil system isconnectable with an imaging system using a single connection between thesystem cable and the imaging system.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a patient table carrying a patient carrying board, acradle, an RF coil system, and a patient;

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of the portion of the patienttable of FIG. 1 without the patient;

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thepatient carrying board for use with the patient table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an end cross-sectional view of the patient carrying boardof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thecradle for use with the patient table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of the cradle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a side plan view of the cradle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows an end plan view of a first end of the cradle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of the cradle of FIG. 5 with a cradle coverremoved;

FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of the cradle of FIG. 9 with thecradle cover removed;

FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary hook releasemechanism for use with the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a locker manual release mechanism for use with the tableof FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of another portion of the lockermanual release mechanism of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a first side perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof a second locker for use with the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows a second side perspective view of the second locker ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a side perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a first stopper for the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 shows a side perspective view of another portion of the firststopper of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a side perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a second stopper for the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 shows a side perspective view of another portion of the secondstopper of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a side perspective view of the patient table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 shows an end view of the patient table of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adocking assembly attached to first end of the table of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofan RF coil for use with the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 shows a side perspective view of the assembled RF coil of FIG.23; and,

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an overallsystem for patient transference and imaging using the table of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of systems, methods, and devices describedherein enable smooth and safe patient transfer and provide imagingcapability utilizing RF coils.

As will be further described below, the systems and devices describedherein include a combined integration of multiple modalities and mayutilize an established OR surgical table device as a second table knownas Vascular Interventional Workplace for Advanced Surgery (“VIWAS”)provided by Maquet Company. The common link for all the equipmentdescribed herein is a surgical work surface such as a fiber compositetransfer board for patient positioning/resting. This transfer board,with patient, can be used for surgery in an OR situation. A track systemcan then be used to move the patient to/from the OR and imaging system,such as the MR scanner. Utilizing this transfer board as the platform asan interface between both devices, the embodiments described hereininclude a surgical patient table that accepts the transfer board onto aunique table cradle and docking the patient table with an imagingsystem, such as, but not limited to, a GE Signa scanner, available fromGeneral Electric. The surgical patient table is configured toconnect/interface with a second table such as, but not limited to, theMaquet VIWAS and also Maquet's patient transporter (known asTransmobile). As will be further described, safety interlocks areincluded within the cradle to permit safe, smooth patient transfer.

As part of the embodiments described herein, a method for imaging isprovided to facilitate utilization of a coil, such as an RF coil, withsurgical procedures. The RF coil implementation enables positioning ofthe coil between an anatomical clamp, such as a skull clamp, and thepatient's anatomy, such as the head, to maximize a signal-to-noise ratio(“SNR”) and ease positioning of a coil connection for the user. Althoughthe coil will be described in the illustrated embodiment as usable withrespect to the patient's head, other implementations would be within thescope of this method. SNR is the ratio of the magnitude of the wantedsignal to that of the unwanted noise, expressed as a simple arithmeticratio or in decibels. The coil interface configuration enablesconnection of the coil to an intermediate connection location formaximum flexibility in applications and procedures. The implementationcan be connected to the transfer board on a patient's left or right sideand the coil enables the use of a posterior coil, an anterior coil, orboth used in conjunction. This capability allows for maximumuser/application flexibility to accommodate the particular procedure.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an overall view of an exemplary embodiment of thetable system 10 is shown. A patient 12 rests on the transfer board 14.The transfer board 14 is shown overlying and engaged with a cradle 16.The transfer board 14 and the cradle 16 are interconnected for movementwithin an imaging system, such as an MRI bore of an MRI system. Thetable 10 includes a first end 18 and a second end 20, that relate to afirst end 18 and second end 20 of the transfer board 14 and cradle 16.The transfer board 14 includes side portions 40 that extend generallyfrom the second end 20 to the first end 18. The patient 12 lies betweenthe side portions 40. A patient's head would lie adjacent the second end20, while the patient's feet would be positioned closer to the first end18, although an opposite configuration is also within the scope of thistable. A monitor plate 22 can be attached to the first end 18 of thetransfer board 14. The monitor plate 22 can hold a monitor (not shown)for displaying patient vital signs (such as, but not limited to, ECG).The monitor can also be used for any other implementation deemednecessary by the user. The monitor plate 22, in the illustratedembodiment, includes an attachment plate 24 for attaching to thetransfer board 14 and a pair of arms 26 extending towards a monitoringholding portion 28. A handle 30 may further be provided on themonitoring holding portion 28 for moving either the entire patient table10 or adjusting positioning of the monitor plate 22.

The second end 20 of the transfer board 14 is shown outfitted with aclamp 32 for holding a patient's head therein. In the illustratedembodiment, an RF coil 34 is positioned between the clamp 32 and thepatient's head. The coil 34 may be positioned on the patient in avariety of orientations and positions as defined by the procedure beingdone and as determined by the clinicians. The coil may be fixed to theskull clamp and/or patient using methods such as and not limited toVelcro strips, tape, or other method to secure the coil in place. The RFcoil 34 includes either one or both of an anterior flex coil 36 and aposterior flex coil 38. It should be understood that while an exemplaryarrangement of the RF coil 34 is shown, the coil 34 may also be utilizedon different parts of the patient's anatomy, and therefore may includealternately designed coil sections. An anterior flex coil cable 42extends from the anterior flex coil 36 and a posterior flex coil cable44 extends from the posterior flex coil 38. The cables 42 and 44 includeall of the necessary electrical and signaling connections for properfunctioning of the coils 36 and 38. The cables 42 and 44 extend towardsand connect to an intermediate box 46. The cables 42 and 44 may bedetachable from the intermediate box 46 for removal of a particular coil36 or 38 from the table 10. The intermediate box may be sized forconnecting to more or less coil cables as desired. The intermediate box46 is attached to a side portion 40 of the transfer board 14 via anintermediate box extension arm 48. Extending from the intermediate box46 is a system cable 50. The system cable 50 is connectable with an MRsystem coil interface 502, as shown in FIG. 25. The system cable 50enables the table 10 to have a “plug and go” MRI-ready connection, asthere is only one cable connection, cable 50, that needs to be connectedto the MRI system coil when the table 10 is pushed into engagement withthe MRI system 500.

FIG. 2 shows the same patient table as in FIG. 1 except without thepatient 12. The navigation arm 52 allows for the ability to attach asurgical navigation/tracking device (such as, but not limited to, DRF(optical), EM Transmitter, etc.) to the skull clamp 32 for use withsurgical procedures. A patient grounding strip 54 is part of thetransfer board 14 and used to ground the patient 12 to the surgicaltable 10, as specified by the applicable regulatory requirements forsurgical tables.

The transfer board 14 is shown on its own in FIGS. 3 and 4. The patientgrounding strip 54 is located near both ends 18, 20 of the transferboard 14. Attachment areas 56 are provided on the transfer board 14 nearthe ends 18, 20 for attaching the monitor plate 22 and the clamp 32 andRF coil 34 thereto, respectively. It should be understood thatattachment of the monitor plate 22 and the clamp 32 and RF coil 34 tothe attachment areas 56 may be accomplished by any known attachmentdevices that do not interfere with surgical or imaging procedures. Asmore clearly shown in FIG. 4, the transfer board 14 includes a topsurface 58 for receiving a patient thereon, and a bottom surface 60 forresting upon the cradle 16. When the transfer board 14 is moved onto thecradle 16 of the table 10, roller receiving portions 62, providedadjacent the side portions 40 and extending from the first end 18 to thesecond end 20, slide along rollers 72 (FIG. 6) provided on the cradle16. In the illustrated embodiment, roller receiving portions 62 includea curved, generally C-shaped wall extending from the bottom surface 60to the top surface 58, although roller receiving portions 62 may havealternate designs for sliding along the rollers 72.

Turning to FIGS. 5-9, the cradle 16 is shown without the transfer board14 positioned on top. The cradle 16 includes a top surface 68 forreceiving the transfer board 14 and a bottom surface 70 for moving intoan imaging system 500 (FIG. 25), such as an MRI bore, or seating uponthe cradle supporting member 282 (FIG. 21) of the patient table 10. Thetop surface 68 includes a cover 66 which hides several mechanicalelements, as will be further described below. The cover 66 may include asolitary cover, or may include two or more sectional pieces thattogether form the cover 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 66includes three sections. A first cover section 65 covers an area of thecradle 16 adjacent the first end 18, a second cover section 67 covers amiddle area of the cradle 16, and a third cover section 69 covers anarea of the cradle 16 relating to a third aperture 90 within the cover66, as will be further described below. Other arrangements of coverswould also be within the scope of these embodiments. The cover 66 may beremovable from the cradle 16 for testing, repairing, replacing, orotherwise servicing any internal elements of the cradle 16. By usingseparate cover sections, individual sections, such as cover sections 65,67, and 69 may be removed individually as required. The first end 18 ofthe cradle 16 includes a cradle emergency release handle 64. In theevent of an emergency, when the cradle 16, transfer board 14, andpatient 12 are positioned within an imaging system 500, such as an MRIbore, the cradle emergency release handle 64 can be pulled manually formoving the cradle 16, transfer board 14, and patient 12 out of theimaging system 500 more quickly than allowing the motorized system ofthe imaging system 500 to roll out the cradle 16 and transfer board 14out of the imaging system 500. The cradle 16 and transfer board 14 aremovable into and out of the imaging system 500 via casters 80 positionedon a bottom surface 70 of the cradle 16.

The cradle 16 further includes a first side 74 and a second side 76,which connect the first end 18 to the second end 20. A line of transferboard receiving rollers 72 is provided on each side 74, 76 of the cradle16 for accepting the transfer board 14 onto the top surface 68 of thecradle 16. The roller receiving portions 62 surround the rollers 72 andslide along the rollers 72 as the transfer board 14 is moved onto thecradle 16. The line of rollers 72 ends at point 78 on each side 74, 76prior to reaching the end 20 of the cradle 16. When the transfer board14 is completely in place upon the cradle 16, the point 78 correspondsto a location where the clamp 32 and coil 34 are attached to thetransfer board 14.

The cover 66 of the cradle 16 includes first and second apertures 82, 84adjacent the first end 18 for allowing a first locker 86 (left handlocker) and a second locker 88 (right hand locker) within the cradle 16to move into and out of engagement with the transfer board 14. The firstlocker 86 and second locker 88 engage with the transfer board 14 to holdit in place upon the cradle 16 until they are released.

The cover 66 further includes a third aperture 90 revealing a flipper92, and a fourth aperture 94 for allowing a first locker manual releasehandle 96 to pass therethrough, both as will be further described below.The cradle 16 further includes a hook receiving indentation 98 for whicha hook, or other grabbing protrusion, from the imaging system 500 cangrab onto the cradle 16 and either move the cradle 16 into the imagingsystem 500, or secure it therein. As will also be further describedbelow, pulling on the cradle emergency release handle 64 disengages thehook of the imaging system 500 from the hook receiving indentation 98 ofthe cradle 16, allowing the cradle 16, and thus the transfer board 14and patient 12, to be removed from the imaging system 500.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the cradle 16 with the cover 66, and all of itscover sections 65, 67, and 69 removed, thus revealing internalcomponents of the cradle 16. Roller housings 100 are spaced apart fromthe first end 18 to the second end 20 and receive casters 80 therein.Support beams 102 are also spaced apart from the first end 18 to thesecond end 20. Support beams 102 connect the first side 74 to the secondside 76, thus providing structural support for the cradle 16. Thesupport beams 102 include apertures 104 and grooves 106 for allowingmechanical components to pass through where necessary.

Another component within the cradle 16 that is revealed with the cover66 removed, and which will be further described below, is an emergencyrelease mechanism 108, which includes a movable pull portion 118associated with the cradle emergency release handle 64, for pushing ahook or other grabbing element of the imaging system 500 out of the hookreceiving indentation 98. Also revealed is the first stopper 110 (lefthand stopper) and the second stopper 112 (right hand stopper). When bothstoppers 110 and 112 are released, the cradle 16 is allowed to move intoand out of the imaging system 500. As will be further described below,stopper 110 is released when the first end 230 of block moving rod 228is pushed by a low profile carriage assembly when the low profilecarriage assembly is at the full out position and its hook is engagedwith the receiving indentation 98. Part 114 serves as a positive stopfor the transfer board 14. That is, when the transfer board 14 is rolledonto the cradle 16, a portion of the front face of the transfer board 14encounters the part 114 and cannot move further past it. That is, thepart 114 is a physical stop that extends slightly upward to abut withthe transfer board 14. Thus, the transfer board 14 cannot be rolled offthe second end 20 of the cradle 16.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a detail of an exemplary emergency hook releasemechanism 108 is shown. The emergency hook release mechanism 108includes the cradle emergency release handle 64. The handle 64 includesa stationary U-shaped portion 116 that is affixed to the first end 18 ofthe cradle 16 using screws 124 or other suitable attachment device. Thehandle 64 further includes a movable pull portion 118 that is biased byO-rings 120 towards the O-ring supporter 128. The movable pull portion118 is attached to link rods 122 that are attached for movement with alink beam 126. The link rods 122 move slidably within fixed O-ringsupporter 128. The O-ring supporter 128 is fixed in location within thecradle 16 and includes a pair of O-ring holders 130. The link beam 126also includes a pair of O-ring holders 130, and the O-rings 120 arestretched between a pair of O-ring holders 130, with one O-ring holderfrom each of the link beam 126 and the O-ring supporter 128. The movablelink beam 126 is attached to a first end 134 of a movable link bar 132,which is partially shown within FIG. 11 and which extends a majority ofthe length of the cradle 16. The link bar 132 is movable within link barguides 136 that are fixed within the cradle 16 using screws 139, or thelike. A second end 138 of the link bar 132 is attached to pivotallinkage 140. Pivotal linkage 140 includes a first end 142 attached tothe second end 138 of link bar 132 and a second end 144 attached to aslidable cammed hook pusher 146 that is slidable within a slot 148 inthe bottom surface 70 of the cradle 16.

In operation, when the cradle 16, transfer board 14, and patient 12 needto be pulled quickly out of an imaging system 500, the handle 64 isgrasped and the pull portion 118 is squeezed towards the stationaryportion 116 which moves the link rods 122, and thus the link beam 126and the link bar 132, in a direction towards the first end 18. Thepivotal linkage 140 pivots such that a slotted groove within the secondend 144 allows a connection between the second end 144 and the slidablecammed hook pusher 146 to move the slidable cammed hook pusher 146towards the second end 20 of the cradle 16. The slidable cammed hookpusher 146 is moved into the hook receiving indentation 98 to push andrelease the hook of the imaging system 500 from the cradle 16. Once thehook is released, the handle 64 can continue to be pulled in a directionaway from the imaging system 500 thereby removing the cradle 16 from theimaging system 500. When the handle 64 is released, the O-rings 120 pullthe link beam 126 towards second end 20, and thus the link rods 122 andthe pull portion 118 back away from the stationary portion 116. Throughthe link bar 132 and the linkage 140, the hook pusher 146 is pulled backin the slot 148 away from the second end 20, and thus reset for the nexttime the cradle emergency release handle 64 needs to be used.

While the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 11 has been described foruse as the emergency release mechanism 108, it should be understood thatthe emergency release mechanism 108 may include alternate elements forreleasing the hook or other cradle grabbing member from the imagingsystem 500 and remove the cradle 16 from the imaging system 500.

FIGS. 12 and 13 each show a partial view of the first locker 86 thatincludes a locking portion 148, shown in FIG. 12, and the first lockermanual release handle 96, shown in FIG. 13. The first locker manualrelease handle 96 and the locking portion 148 are connected by line 150.Line 150 may be a cable, cording, rod, etc. A first end 152 of the line150 is connected to a spring tab 164 in the locking portion 148 and asecond end 154 of the line 150 is connected to a second end 158 of theslide rod 156 of the first locker manual release handle 96.

When the transfer board 14 is moved onto the cradle 16, it rolls overthe locking portion 148, utilizing roller 163 of the first locker 86 ina direction from the first end 18 to the second end 20, as clearlydemonstrated by arrow X. A first notch or groove within the lowersurface 60 of the transfer board 14 slides over an angled surface 160 ofa spring tab 164 and depresses the spring tab 164, forcing it downwardlytowards the lower surface 70 of the cradle 16, until the notch or grooveis over the tip 162, allowing the spring tab 164 to bias itself backupwardly and into the notch or groove. The spring tab 164 has agenerally U-shaped cross-section as shown for providing the springforce. The tip 162 can include a roller 163 for allowing the transferboard 14 to roll smoothly over the tip 162. Once the tip 162 is withinthe notch or groove of the transfer board 14, the transfer board 14 isprevented from moving back in the direction from the second end 20 tothe first end 18, demonstrated by arrow Y, because of the flat sidedsurface 166 provided on the other side of the tip 162.

FIG. 13 shows the first locker manual release handle 96 including ahandle portion 168 that may be ergonomically designed with fingergrooves as shown, or also could be implemented via a lever or otherhandle design/shape. The handle portion 168 is attached to a connectingrod 170 that moves within a slot 172 in a fixed handle support 174secured within the cradle 16. When the handle 168 is pulled, the sliderod 156 is pulled in the direction X. The slide rod 156 is slidablewithin slide rod guide 176. Movement of the slide rod 156 in thedirection X also pulls the line 150 in the direction X. The first end152 of the line 150 is attached to the end 178 of the angled surface160. Thus, pulling the line 150 in the direction X pulls the end 178 ofthe spring tab 164 downwardly, thus allowing the transfer board 14 tomove back in the direction Y, and off of the cradle 16.

While a specific mechanical arrangement has been described for the firstlocker 86, it should be noted that alternate arrangements for a firstlocker 86 may also be devised that includes a system for preventing thetransfer board 14 from moving off of the cradle 16 and a manual releasefor disengaging the system.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show altering side perspective views of the secondlocker 88. The second locker 88, as with the first locker 86, serves tosecure the transfer board 14 in place on the cradle 16 and includes aspring tab 180 similar to the spring tab 164. As the transfer board 14is moved in the direction X over the angled surface 182 of the springtab 180, the spring tab 180 is depressed, forcing it downwardly, until asecond notch or groove in the lower surface 60 of the transfer board 14is over a tip 184, allowing the spring tab 180 to bias itself backupwardly and into the second notch or groove. The tip 184 can include aroller 188 for allowing the transfer board 14 to roll smoothly over thetip 184. The spring tab 180 has a generally U-shaped cross-section asshown for providing the spring force. Once the tip 184 is within thenotch or groove of the transfer board 14, the transfer board 14 isprevented from moving back in the direction from the second end 20 tothe first end 18, demonstrated by arrow Y, because of the flat sidedsurface provided on the other side of the tip 184.

The second locker 88 does not include a manual release handle, as doesthe first locker 86. Instead, the second locker 88 is released when thetable 10 is docked with a second complimentary table, such as table 400shown in FIG. 25. The second table 400, also formed to receive thetransfer board 14, includes either an surface or a protrusion that isengageable with the pusher knob 190. The pusher knob 190 may eitherprotrude out of the first end 18 of the cradle 16, or, alternatively,the first end 18 of the cradle 16 may include an opening for receiving aprotrusion from the second table 400. In any case, when the table 10 isdocked with the second table 400, or other compatible table, the pusherknob 190 is pushed in the direction X, which in turn pushes a firstmovable platform 192 and the attached pusher rods 194. The pusher rods194 are slidable through the rod guide 196 that is fixed within thecradle 16. A first end 198 of each of the pusher rods 194 is attached tothe first movable platform 192. A second end 200 of each of the pusherrods 194 is attached to a second movable platform 202. The pusher rods194 are also slidable through openings 204 provided in extensions 206protruding from a second end 208 of the spring tab 180, opposite thefirst end 210 of the spring tab 180. The second end 208 is fixedly heldwithin the cradle 16 by a spring tab support 212 via securement devices214 such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, etc.

A line 216, such as, but not limited to, a cable, cording, rod, etc. isattached at a first end 218 to the second movable platform 202 and asecond end 220 to the end 210 of the spring tab 180. When the pusherknob 190 is pushed in the X direction by a complimentary table abuttingwith table 10, the first movable platform 192 moves the pusher rods 194and thus the second movable platform 202 in the X direction. Movement ofthe second movable platform 202 in the X direction causes the line 216to be pulled in the X direction, thus causing the end 210 to be pulleddownwardly towards the bottom surface 70 of the cradle 16, thus pullingthe tip 184 out of the second notch or groove and allowing the transferboard 14 to move back in the direction Y, and off of the cradle 16.

While a specific mechanical arrangement has been described for thesecond locker 88, it should be noted that alternate arrangements for thesecond locker 88 may also be devised that includes a system forpreventing the transfer board 14 from moving off of the cradle 16 untilthe table 10 is engaged with a complimentary table.

The first and second lockers 86, 88 may also be deemed verticalinterlocks as they operate to keep the transfer board 14 from moving offthe cradle 16 until cleared and they activate by moving a lockingportion (e.g., the tips 162, 184 of the spring tabs 164, 180,respectively) vertically, that is, towards and away from the top surface68 and bottom surface 70 of the cradle 16.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show enlarged partial views of the first stopper 110.When the first stopper 110 is released, the cradle 16 is allowed to moveinto and out of the imaging system 500 only if the transfer board 14 isfully on the cradle 16 thereby activating the second stopper 112. Thefirst stopper 110 may be activated by the low profile carriage assembly(“LPCA”) on the front of the imaging system 500, where the imagingsystem 500 may be an MRI system. The cradle 16 includes a mechanicalinterlock/rod within the first stopper 110 that is depressed when thetable 10 is connected to the imaging system 500. This effectively servesas a way to “communicate” with the table 10, so the table 10 “knows” itis connected to the imaging system 500.

The first stopper 110, as can be seen in FIG. 16, is situated adjacentthe side 74 of the cradle 16. The first stopper 110 includes a slidableblock 220 that is movable with respect to a fixed block support 222fixed with respect to the cradle 16 via screws or other securementdevices inserted within apertures 224 within the fixed block support222. The slidable block 220 can be biased in an outwardly projectingposition, such as shown in FIG. 16, by the O-ring 226. In this outwardlyprojecting position, the block 220 is located within a first groove inthe cradle accepting portion/cradle receiving member 282 (FIG. 21) ofthe table 10.

When the table 10 is moved into position with the imaging system 500,the block moving rod 228, as shown in FIG. 17, is moved in the Ydirection as shown. The block moving rod 228 includes a first end 230that protrudes outwardly from the second end 20 of the cradle 16. Alarger diametered portion 232 is provided adjacent the first end 230 forpreventing the rod 228 from protruding too much from the second end 20.The block moving rod 228 is slidable within a block moving rod guide242. The second end 234 of the block moving rod 228 is attached to aconnector 236 for connecting the second end 234 of the block moving rod228 to a line pulling linkage 238 connected to the connector 236 by asecurement device 240. The line pulling linkage 238 is connected at end244 to a first end 248 of a line 246 shown partially in FIG. 17. Asshown in FIG. 16, a second end 250 of the line 246 is connected to theslidable block 220.

Thus, when the block moving rod 228 is moved in the Y direction, theline 246 between a line support 252 provided adjacent the line pullinglinkage 238 and a line support 254 provided adjacent the block support222 is pulled in the X direction. When the line 246 is pulled, thesecond end 250 of the line 246 pulls the slidable block 220 in adirection from the first side 74 to the second side 76 of the cradle 16and into the block support 222, thus removing the block 220 as anobstruction of movement from the cradle accepting portion of the table10. When the table 10 is not in engagement with the imaging system 500,then the O-ring 226 moves back into its biased condition and moves theblock 220 back outwardly as shown in FIG. 16, and pulls the line 246 inthe Y direction, thus pushing the block moving rod 228 in the Xdirection, and pushing the first end 230 of the block moving rod 228back out the second end 220.

While a specific mechanical arrangement has been described for the firststopper 110, it should be noted that alternate arrangements for thefirst stopper 110 may also be devised that includes a system forpreventing the cradle 16 from moving off of the cradle supportingportion 282 of the table 10 until the table 10 is engaged with theimaging system 500, or other complimentary system.

FIGS. 18-19 show enlarged partial views of the second stopper 112. Thesecond stopper 112, as can be seen in FIG. 18, is situated adjacent theside 76 of the cradle 16. The second stopper 112 includes a slidableblock 258 that is movable with respect to fixed block support 260 fixedwith respect to the cradle 16 via screws or other securement devices262. The slidable block 258 can be biased in an outwardly projectingposition, such as shown in FIG. 18. In this outwardly projectionposition, the block 258 is located with a second groove in the cradleaccepting portion of the table 10, as will be further described below.

When the transfer board 14 is moved into position over flipper 92 thatis revealed through aperture 90 in the cover 66, the lower surface 60 ofthe transfer board 14 pushes the first end 264 downwardly, towards thelower surface 70 of the cradle 16. The second end 266 of the flipper 92is attached to a line 268. As the flipper 92 is levered over flippersupport 270, the second end 266 moves upwardly, towards a top surface 68of the cradle 16. As the second end 266 moves upwardly, the line 268 ispulled in the X direction, thus pulling linkage 272 and line 274 in theX direction. A block pulling end 276 of the line 274 pulls the slidableblock 258 within the block support 260 as the line 274 is pulled aroundthe line support 278. Thus, the block 258 is removed as an obstructionof movement from the cradle accepting portion 282 of the table 10. Whenthe transfer board 14 is not in position upon the cradle 16, the flipper92 is biased to the condition where the end 264 protrudes from theaperture 90 and the block 258 protrudes outwardly from the block support260 for engagement with the second groove of the cradle acceptingportion 282 of the table 10.

While a specific mechanical arrangement has been described for thesecond stopper 112, it should be noted that alternate arrangements forthe second stopper 112 may also be devised that includes a system forpreventing the cradle 16 from moving off of the cradle supportingportion 282 of the table 10 until the transfer board 14 is completely inposition on cradle 16.

The first and second stoppers 110, 112 may also be deemed horizontalinterlocks, as they prevent the cradle 16 from moving off of the table10 until cleared, and they activate by moving slidable blocks 220, 258horizontally, that is, towards and away from the first side 74 and thesecond side 76 of the cradle 16, and generally parallel with top andbottom surfaces 68, 70 of the cradle 16.

FIGS. 20-21 show the remainder of the table 10, including the mainsupport 280, the cradle accepting portion 282, and a docking assembly284 for docking with a complimentary second table 400. The dockingassembly 284 is positioned on the first end 18 of the table 10. Thetable 10 also includes pivotal wheels 286 for moving the table 10 intoposition with the complimentary table 400, an imaging system 500, orother table or imaging system.

FIG. 21 further shows a cradle 16 positioned within the cradle acceptingportion 282 of the table 10. First and second stoppers 110, 112 areshown with their slidable blocks 220, 258 engaged with grooves 288, 290,respectively, within the cradle accepting portion 282.

The docking assembly 284 positioned on the first end 18 of the table 10is shown on its own within FIG. 22. The docking assembly 284 is used fordocking the patient table 10 with the manual table 400, such as aTransmobile table 400, and includes a pair of spaced table engagingbodies 292 that flank the sides of the table 10. The docking assembly284 is designed to accept horizontally protruding pins 402 from a table400 to be engaged. Each table engaging body 292 includes a tapered pinreceiving channel 294. The pin 402 from each side of the table 400engaging with table 10 is easily received within the widest portion ofthe channel 294 and is guided by the tapering walls of the channel 294until each pin 402 is seated with a center of a movable pin lockingdevice 296. Once the pins 402 are seated with the pin locking devices296, pin locking knobs 298 can be rotated to rotate the C-shaped lockingdevice 296 such that the opening of the C-shaped locking device 296 nolonger faces the channel 294. Thus, the pins 402 and therefore the table400 cannot be removed from the docking assembly 284 until the pinlocking knob 298 is rotated to rotate the opening of the C-shapedlocking device 296 back in line with the channel 294.

This system enables the possibility for 1.5 T and/or 3.0 T MRI scansduring surgical procedures. Smooth patient transfer is possible from atable 400, such as a VIWAS table system, at any time during a surgicalprocedure. The surgical suite is fully equipped and can remainindependent of the imaging suite, while the imaging suite remainsindependent to perform clinical scans of regular patients. While theillustrated embodiments are shown designed for neurosurgery, othersurgical procedures are also possible. The patient table 10 hasmulti-connectivity capability and can interface with other equipmentsuch as, but not limited to, the Alpha Maquet 11150 surgical table andMaquet Transmobile both by Maquet.

Use of the dedicated RF coil 34 in this configuration enables (helpsensure) maximum SNR and improved image quality while also providingmaximum flexibility in the clinical application to accommodate multiplepatient positionings and procedures. The RF coil 34 is shown in FIGS. 23and 24. The RF coil 34 includes a flexed printed circuit board (“PCB”)300 attached to a backing 302 by rivets 304, or other suitablefasteners. The backing 302 is attached to an input PCB 306 whichsupports RF traps 308. The input PCB 306 is protected by protectionframe 310. The protection frame 310 includes a window 312 through whicha first end 314 of a coil cable 316 extends. The coil cable 316 can beeither the coil cable 42 or 44, or other coil cable for a coil designedfor a different anatomical part. A second end 320 of the coil cable 316includes a coil connector 318 for easily connecting to the intermediatebox 46.

For MR compatibility, the surgical table may be made from materials thatare radiolucent. In one embodiment, the table implements a fibercomposite material that is MR and Xray translucent and can be used inconjunction with a compatible surgical table and patient transporter.

As shown generally in FIG. 25, the MRI compatible surgical patient table10 and cradle 16 with docking assembly 284 includes the surgical cradle16 to accept the transfer board 14 and contains unique internal safetyinterlocks and the physical materials for imaging transparency to permitproper MR scanner function with an imaging system 500. The dockingassembly 284 integrated with the first end 18 of the surgical table 10allows proper docking with a complimentary table 400, such as the Maquettransmobile and VIWAS. The cradle 16 has special interlocks that onlyrelease the transfer board 14 and patient 12 when docked with thecomplimentary equipment. The complimentary table 400 contains similarinterlock pin releases, that is, it requires mechanism locking beforepatient transfer.

While FIG. 25 show the table 400 separated from the table 10 and thetable 10 separated from the imaging system 500, it should be understoodthat the table 400 and the table 10 are movable bodies that may bemovable relative to each other and the imaging system 500. For example,the table 400 is movable towards and removably dockable with the table10 for moving the transfer board 14 from the table 400 to the table 10.Similarly, the table 10 is movable towards and removably connectable tothe imaging system 500 for moving the cradle 16 from the table 10 towithin the imaging system 500. The floor 390 may include tracks forguiding wheels of the second table 400, thus quickly guiding the secondtable 400 into engagement with the patient table 10.

As described above, when the table 400 is docked with the table 10, apin 402 from the table 400 is inserted within the channel and pinlocking device 294, 296 of the docking assembly 284. Also, when thetable 400 is completely docked with the table 10, pusher knob 190 ofsecond locker 88 is engaged by the end of the table 400 (or a protrusionextending therefrom) to disengage the locker 88, thus allowing thetransfer board 14 to move from the table 10 back to the table 400. Whenthe table 10 is engaged with the imaging system 500, the first end 230of block moving rod 228 of first stopper 110 is pressed inwardly intothe cradle 16 thus slidably moving a block from between the cradle 16and the cradle supporting member 282. Simultaneously, second stopper 112is pressed inwardly into the cradle 16 when the transfer board 14 isfully located upon the cradle 16, thus allowing the cradle 16 to moveinto the imaging system 500. When the table 10 is positioned relative tothe imaging system 500, the system cable 50, as shown in FIG. 1, fromthe RF coil 34 can be connected to the interface 502 of the imagingsystem 500. It should be understood that the interface 502 may bepositioned anywhere relative to the imaging system 500, and is notlimited to the illustrated location.

The cradle 16 is a unique adapter, which allows full functional use ofthe MRI scanner, or other imaging system, and transfers patientssmoothly and safely. The cradle frame is a special flat bondedstructure, designed and has been tested to withstand four times themaximum patient weight. The roller blades sections 72 are alsostructural and interlock with the cradle 16, and are removable in amatter of minutes. The docking assembly 284 permits safe transfer of thetransfer board 14 with the complimentary patient transporter 400. Safetyinterlocks are included within the cradle 16 to permit safe, smoothpatient transfer.

The dedicated RF coil 34 enables positioning the device close to theanatomy and can be placed between the skull clamp 32 and the anatomy tobe imaged. The ability to use the coil 34 in this placement/locationallows for maximum SNR for diagnostic imaging. The coil interfaceconfiguration enables the ability to connect the coil 34 to anintermediate connection location, e.g. intermediate box 46, whichprovides maximum flexibility in applications and procedures. Theconnection implementation can be attached to the transfer board 14 onthe patient's left or right side and coil 34 enables the use of ananterior coil 36, a posterior coil 38, or both used in conjunction. Thiscapability allows for increased user/application flexibility toaccommodate the particular procedure and facilitates the use inprocedure/workflow and moving the patient in/out of MR and connection tothe MR system during surgical procedures.

In addition, while the invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the essentialscope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denoteany order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. areused to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use ofthe terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but ratherdenote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

1. A patient imaging and transfer system, the system comprising: animaging system; a patient table including a cradle supporting member, asecond end of the table engageable with the imaging system; a cradleslidably received on the cradle supporting member and within the imagingsystem, the cradle movable between the patient table and the imagingsystem when the second end of the table is engaged with the imagingsystem; a second table, an end of the second table engageable with afirst end of the patient table; and, a patient carrying board slidablebetween the second table and the cradle when the second table is engagedwith the first end of the patient table; wherein a patient istransferable from the second table to the imaging system withoutremoving the patient from the board.
 2. The patient imaging and transfersystem of claim 1 further comprising a coil for use with the imagingsystem, the coil attached relative to the board, a coil cable extendingfrom the coil, an intermediate box attached to the board, and a systemcable extending from the intermediate box, wherein the system cable isconnectable to the imaging system.
 3. The patient imaging and transfersystem of claim 2 further comprising an anatomical clamp attached to theboard, the coil positioned between the clamp and a patient.
 4. Thepatient imaging and transfer system of claim 1 wherein the cradleincludes a locker for preventing the board from sliding off the cradlewhen in a locked position and a stopper for preventing the cradle fromsliding off the cradle supporting member when in an engaged position. 5.The patient imaging and transfer system of claim 4 wherein the lockerincludes a first locker and a second locker, the first locker includinga locker manual release mechanism and the second locker automaticallydisengaging the board from the cradle when the first end of the patienttable is docked with the second table and wherein the stopper includes afirst stopper disengaging from the cradle supporting member when thesecond end of the patient table abuts the imaging system, and a secondstopper disengaging from the cradle supporting member when the board isfully supported upon the cradle.